An Ning dialed Director Hu's number.
The person who answered was a familiar voice—Wang. He didn't waste a moment, transferring her to Director Hu's office.
An Ning asked about getting electricity.
"An Ning, don't worry. About the electricity—while it's true I pulled some strings for you, it's not exactly special treatment."
"Don't feel burdened by it. Our country is electrifying the entire nation step by step. It was bound to reach your village sooner or later."
Director Hu wasn't taking credit; instead, he was reassuring An Ning.
An Ning simply said a modest "thank you," and they both hung up.
She pressed down the switch hook on the phone's cradle with one finger, and a dial tone buzzed from the receiver.
'If I'd known I could make a trade for electricity, I would've done it a long time ago.'
An Ning felt there was nothing wrong with trading the fruits of her labor, or her intellect, for something she needed.
